Inorganic Salts Market

Market Overview

The global inorganic salts market size was valued at USD 130 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 193 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The market growth is being enhanced by the increasing acceptance of inorganic metal salts and the growing need for pharmaceuticals, which are the primary market drivers.

Inorganic salts are the most extensive category of inorganic substances. These substances lack a carbon-hydrogen link and can separate into ions. Multiple categories of inorganic salts exist, including sodium salts, magnesium salts, aluminum salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, and ammonium salts. Inorganic salts are indispensable for nutrition. When present in food, these substances are primarily found in their combined state, but they tend to separate into inorganic salt ions when they enter bodily fluids. Inorganic salts have a wide range of applications. 

In addition, including inorganic salts in the production of pharmaceutical products serves as a catalyst for market growth over the projected timeframe. Antacids in pharmaceutical applications have become more popular due to the widespread use of inorganic metal salts. Moreover, the growing need for health beverages incorporating these non-organic compounds will propel market growth. 

Highlights

• Sodium salts generate the highest revenue share based on type.
• Food grade influenced the market growth by grade.
• Powder generates the highest revenue share based on form.
• Agriculture influenced the market growth by application.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Fertilizers 

Expanding the fertilizer and pesticide industries is propelling the market for inorganic salts. Nitrogenous salts, such as ammonium salts, are extensively employed in manufacturing fertilizers due to their role as nitrogen providers. In addition, they manufacture pesticides and agrochemicals designed explicitly for the treatment and conditioning of soil. Inorganic salts include ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, diammonium phosphate, mono ammonium phosphate, and others.

Furthermore, the rising global population is driving an increased need for agrochemicals, as there is a growing need for higher crop yields. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the combined nutritional content of ammonia, phosphoric acid, and potash in fertilizers was 317.5 million tons in 2020. This capacity is expected to increase in the future. This is anticipated to boost market growth significantly. 

Increasing Application in Pharmaceutical

Inorganic salts are utilized in various industries, including the pharmaceutical sector. Market expansion is predicted to be driven by the increased utilization of inorganic compounds as precursors and catalysts for producing multiple pharmaceutical products. According to an article released by pharmaceuticals.com, hydrochloride salts are the most commonly utilized salts in manufacturing pharmaceutical medications, accounting for approximately 15.5% of the market share. They are crucial in the body's physiological processes and metabolic functions. Minerals found in bones are inorganic constituents of bone tissues. The inorganic salts in the plasma regulate the homeostasis of sodium and potassium levels in cells. The growing demand for health beverages containing these inorganic salts will fuel market growth.

Market Restraints

Toxicity of Certain Salts 

Salts, including mercury chloride, barium bromide, lead salts, and others, possess a high or moderate level of toxicity, leading to discomfort and potential fatality. Mercury salts mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract but can also damage the kidneys. Even short-term exposure to them can result in catastrophic brain damage. Ammonium Nitrate serves as both a fertilizer and an explosive. Ammonium nitrate has three primary dangers: releasing poisonous breakdown byproducts, the risk of fire due to its oxidizing properties, and the potential for explosion.

On August 4, 2020, a colossal blast, one of the largest ever recorded that was not caused by nuclear means, devastated a significant portion of Beirut's port. The explosion was triggered by a fire that originated in a warehouse where Lebanese officials acknowledge the presence of a substantial quantity of ammonium nitrate, specifically around 2,750 tons, which had been stored there for approximately six years. The colossal detonation resulted in over 200 fatalities and more than 6,500 persons being wounded. Similar instances have been previously reported in other regions of the world. These characteristics have emerged as a significant obstacle for inorganic salts, impeding the expansion of the market.

Market Opportunity

High Usage of Dietary Supplements

During the onset of the pandemic, individuals were compelled to remain within the confines of their residences. During the early phases of the outbreak, there was a rapid increase in infection rates, resulting in a significant number of individuals being impacted by the virus. As a consequence, hospitals became overwhelmed, prompting medical professionals and governments to advise those with moderate symptoms to isolate themselves at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of Vitamin C and Vitamin D for those with asymptomatic and moderate instances of illness. Vitamin D exhibits strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Several researchers have determined that individuals with a Vitamin D deficit are susceptible to contracting COVID-19. A study revealed that individuals with deficient vitamin D levels had a 7.2% probability of receiving a positive COVID-19 test result. Calcium and vitamin D collaborate to safeguard bones, with calcium facilitating the construction and upkeep of bones, while vitamin D enhances the body's absorption of calcium.

Moreover, patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease were provided vitamin C and zinc due to their ability to decrease the length of symptoms. Based on statistics from SPINS regarding the US mainstream dietary supplement market, the sales of vitamin C experienced a significant growth of 61.8%, reaching a total of USD 576 million over the 52 weeks ending on November 29, 2020. As a result, the demand for vitamins and other supplements significantly increased, driving the growth of the inorganic salt industry.

Regional Analysis

The global inorganic salts market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global inorganic salt market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.8 % over the forecast period. The US dominated the market for inorganic salts in terms of market share, but Canada experienced the highest growth rate among all North American countries. The North American market for inorganic salts is expected to significantly influence this industry, primarily driven by the growing acceptance of inorganic salts that contain nitrates. These inorganic salts are utilized in the production of explosives and ammunition.

Moreover, the projected impact on market expansion in this region is expected to be driven by the rising adoption of fertilizers to enhance farm productivity. In 2021, the amount reached approximately 19 million metric tons. The consumption of nitrogen, an essential fertilizer nutrient, reached approximately 11.17 million metric tons, making it the most widely utilized fertilizer nutrient.

Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period. The salts market experienced a 46% growth in 2021, primarily because of the area's heightened utilization of agrochemicals. In 2021, China was the top global producer of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers, manufacturing over 40 million tons and 110 million tons, respectively. FAOSTAT data reveals that China has the top position globally in producing cereals, cotton, fruits, and vegetables. China has achieved the remarkable feat of producing 25% of the global grain supply and providing sustenance to 20% of the world's population despite having access to less than 10% of the world's arable land. In 2021, China contributed 16% of the world's wheat production, 26% of the world's rice production, and 17% of the world's roots and tubers production, according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook.

Consequently, there has been a rise in the need for agrochemicals in the country. Several chemical industries in this region are an additional element contributing to the growth of the inorganic salt market. China holds the title of being the top exporter of inorganic salts globally. Various inorganic salts are utilized in the production of numerous significant compounds. An example of this is the process of electrolysis, which involves the decomposition of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride to generate sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound that is widely utilized in significant amounts in household chlorine bleach. Sodium hypochlorite is commonly employed as an industrial bleach in processing paper pulp and textiles and for the chlorination of water and specific medical formulations. Consequently, the market for inorganic salts is expected to experience consistent growth in this particular area.

The European inorganic salts market holds the second-largest share primarily because of the strong demand for pharmaceutical drugs in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the region's focus on agricultural advancements and government initiatives to maximize crop production is expected to further drive demand in this market. Moreover, the German market for inorganic salts dominated the market share, while the UK market experienced the highest growth rate in Europe.

Segmental Analysis

The global inorganic salts market is segmented based on type, grade, form, and application. 

The market is segmented based on type: Sodium Salts, Magnesium Salts, Calcium Salts, Potassium Salts, Ammonium Salts, and Others.

The sodium salts segment will dominate in 2023. This is attributable primarily to their extensive range of applications in several industries. Sodium salts contain sodium as the cation. Sodium chloride, sometimes known as common Salt, is widely used in food as a flavor enhancer. Sodium chloride is extensively utilized in the manufacturing of many industrial chemicals. It is also directly employed for ice and snow removal, water conditioning, and chlorine synthesis. Pharmaceutical compounds are frequently transformed into sodium salts due to their enhanced stability and increased solubility or bioavailability. Hospitals administer intravenous sodium chloride solution (IV fluid) to patients to reduce dehydration by providing water and Salt.

Additionally, shampoos and toothpaste utilize sodium salts derived from sulfonic acids with long carbon chains. Sodium bicarbonate, sometimes known as baking soda, is used extensively in the culinary business for its antacid properties and as a dry fire extinguisher. Sodium sulfate is utilized in manufacturing paperboard, glass, and detergents, and it serves as a primary substance for synthesizing diverse compounds. Sodium nitrate is a nitrogen-based fertilizer used as a constituent in explosives. Due to the wide range of applications, sodium salts are expected to have a significant market share in the forecast future.

The calcium salt segment is the fastest growing. Calcium salts substantially impact the overall growth of the worldwide inorganic salts market. This is due to their wide range of uses in construction, medicine, agriculture, and food industries. Their demand is driven by the growth of infrastructure projects, rising health consciousness, and agricultural progress, collectively contributing to the market's rise.

Based on grade, the market is bifurcated into Food Grade, Industrial Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, Reagent Grade, and Others.

The food-grade segment dominated in 2023. Sodium salts have multiple applications, including as a means to intensify flavor, preserve food, facilitate the rising of the dough, and act as a reducing agent. Ammonium salts serve as leavening agents and fragrance chemicals. For example, licorice products primarily comprise sugar, licorice extract, and ammonium chloride. Potassium salts serve as both reducing agents and preservatives. As a result of its various applications in the food sector, the food-grade segment is experiencing significant growth. It is expected to become the leading segment in the inorganic salts market.

The industrial-grade inorganic salts segment is the fastest growing, primarily because of their wide-ranging uses in chemical manufacturing, agriculture, and water treatment. Their demand is motivated by the growth of industries, improvements in technology, and the requirement for effective and sustainable procedures, highlighting their crucial position in multiple sectors.

The market is bifurcated based on form into Crystals, Powder, Pellets, and Others.

The powder category dominated in 2023. Most inorganic salts are commonly found in a powdered state, allowing immediate application without additional preparation. Furthermore, the powdered form of these salts rapidly dissolves in water. In solutions, inorganic salts undergo dissociation, separating into ions, which are also known as electrolytes. These ions are crucial in various metabolic processes within the body's cells. Inorganic salts regulate nerve impulses, heart function, and muscle contractions. Everyday living utilizes inorganic salts such as sodium chloride (common Salt), sodium bicarbonate (baking powder), and calcium carbonate (a dietary source of calcium).

The crystal segment is the fastest growing. The market growth of inorganic salts is substantially influenced by their crystal shape, which impacts solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Enhanced crystalline structures improve the effectiveness of products and increase efficiency in manufacturing. This increases demand in the pharmaceutical, agriculture, and industrial sectors, generating market growth.

The market is bifurcated based on applications into Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, Cement, Rubber Processing, Food, and Others. 

The agriculture segment dominated in 2023. This is because inorganic salts enhance soil nutrients, leading to an increase in crop yield. The increasing demand for inorganic salts to form critical chemical compounds and materials in the soil is driving market expansion.

The pharmaceutical segment is the fastest growing. The increasing demand for these salts in the manufacturing of critical chemical compounds and materials is expected to drive the growth of this segment. 

The food segment is the second largest. The food industry plays a crucial role in driving the growth of the worldwide inorganic salts market by using these salts for purposes such as preservation, flavor improvement, and nutritional fortification. The development of this industry is driven by the need for superior additives and stabilizers, which is influenced by the rising consumption of processed food and stricter regulations on food safety.

Recent Developments

• February 2024– True Salt, a supplier of premium sea salt, revealed its substantial expansion strategy to address the growing need for sea salt in the food service and manufacturing sectors. True Salt is intensifying its efforts to increase production capacity, broaden operations, and reinforce its dedication to environmental responsibility.
• December 2023– Sigma Aldrich introduced a wide range of high-purity salts, including anhydrous and hydrated forms. These salts have purity levels ranging from 99.9% to 99.999%, as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).